Growing feather palms to a reasonable size is a long, slow process, so plants of specimen size are invariably expensive. The plants require a warm, light position in which to grow, preferably in a moist atmosphere. Water freely during the spring and summer months, and in moderation at other times. In the garden room, and indoors where it is practical, plants will benefit from having their leaves syringed with water during the summer months.

They are also smaller than those, and can be guaranteed to attract attention in almost any grouping of plants, however exotic the others may be. A moist support and warm conditions is again advised as this species is inclined to he a little temperamental if conditions are not to its liking.

Do this by spraying regularly for by leaning the plant over the support more heavily with a watering-can – if the plant is not tilted the surplus watermill run into the compost and make it much too wet. The aim when watering should be to keep the compost moist, but not permanently saturated.

P. hastatum and P. Tuxla are very similar in appearance, both having stout climbing stems to which arrow-shaped leaves are attached by strong petioles which may be anything up to 2 ft. in length on more mature plants. Where a jungle effect in a large garden room is contemplated this would seem to he an essential plant for forming part of the background.

These tropical forest plants require a warm, humid atmosphere, but should not be too wet at their roots, so a well-drained compost is essential. To encourage drainage a 2-in. layer of crocks should be placed in the bottom of the pot before introducing the compost, which should he of a peaty nature. Small, star-shaped flowers are produced in profusion in winter, and there are numerous colours, of which the rose pink is probably best.

New plants may be raised from seed sown in good heat in March, or by means of cuttings which root very easily at almost any time of the year if reasonable heat is available, somewhere in the order of 21C. (70F.).